Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: JLL

Location: Chicago, IL, United States / Dallas, TX, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Construction Operations (Hospitality Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design and construction process for high-end hospitality projects, ensuring alignment with JLL's operational excellence standards.

• Drive sophisticated, detail-oriented design solutions that enhance guest experiences in luxury hotel and resort environments, directly impacting client satisfaction and property value.

• Manage and control design and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) budgets, providing critical cost analysis and value engineering recommendations to optimize project financials.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including project management, brand representatives, architects, and specialized vendors, to maintain project schedules and ensure design integrity from concept through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within JLL's Hospitality Design & Construction team, indicating a specialized focus on the unique operational demands and client expectations within the luxury hospitality sector. The emphasis on "shaping a brighter way" and "delivering exceptional guest experiences" suggests a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) alignment, where design directly contributes to the client's revenue generation and brand positioning. The role requires a blend of creative vision and rigorous operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner closely with project management teams to uphold design schedules, proactively identify potential delays, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely project delivery.

• Resolve complex design challenges inherent in high-end hospitality projects, including custom millwork, specialty finishes, bespoke furniture, and intricate installation sequences, ensuring seamless execution.

• Conduct thorough cost analysis and provide value engineering recommendations to optimize design and FF&E budgets throughout all project phases, including budget reconciliation.

• Develop and refine design concepts that embody brand standards and elevate the guest experience in luxury hospitality settings, ensuring a cohesive and premium aesthetic.

• Review and provide detailed commentary on all design documentation stages, verifying technical accuracy, constructability, and adherence to project objectives and operational requirements.

• Coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders, ownership groups, brand representatives, and external consultants to maintain design vision while addressing practical operational needs.

• Prepare comprehensive presentation materials, including design intent, material selections, and project progress updates, for communication to executive leadership and ownership groups.

• Engage with specialized vendors and artisans to develop unique custom design solutions that meet the elevated standards of high-end hospitality projects.

• Integrate sustainable design practices and wellness-focused elements into designs, aligning with contemporary luxury hospitality expectations and operational efficiency.

• Maintain meticulous documentation of all design decisions, specifications, budgets, and schedules throughout the project lifecycle for comprehensive record-keeping and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into the operational aspects of design management within a specific industry. The emphasis on "navigating and resolving complex design details," "monitoring and controlling design and FF&E budgets," and "maintaining thorough documentation" points to a need for strong project controls and process management skills, crucial for effective revenue operations and GTM support by ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget, directly impacting client profitability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture.

Experience: 10+ years of direct experience in high-end hospitality design, including boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or premium restaurant environments. Demonstrated success managing all phases of complex hospitality projects from concept through completion, with proven ability to handle multiple sophisticated projects simultaneously.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of luxury hospitality operations, guest experience design, and the intricate detailing required for premium environments.

• Expert understanding of FF&E procurement, specification, budgeting, and installation coordination for high-end hospitality applications.

• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, hospitality-specific regulations, and building systems as they relate to guest-facing environments.

• Strong technical proficiency in construction documentation, custom millwork detailing, material specifications, and coordination with specialized trades.

• Applied knowledge of AutoCAD software with the ability to produce and review detailed construction documents.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) for budget tracking, scheduling, and presentation development.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate complex design details to diverse audiences, from craftsmen to executive leadership.

• Proven leadership abilities with strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective relationship management capabilities.

• Familiarity with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and structural systems and their integration within hospitality design solutions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with internationally recognized luxury hospitality brands or independent high-end properties.

• Portfolio demonstrating sophisticated material palettes, custom furniture design, and completed high-end hospitality projects.

• Additional proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, InDesign, or rendering software.

• Registration or certification with NCIDQ, AIA, or relevant professional association.

• Experience with historic renovation or adaptive reuse projects within hospitality contexts.

• Knowledge of emerging hospitality design trends, wellness-focused design, and experiential guest environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred skills emphasize a blend of creative design acumen and robust operational management capabilities. The necessity for expertise in FF&E procurement, budgeting, and construction documentation, alongside proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Project, signals a strong need for candidates who can manage project lifecycles with precision, a core tenet of successful revenue operations that ensures predictable project outcomes and client satisfaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful management of high-end hospitality design projects from initial concept through final completion, demonstrating a track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences.

• Detailed case studies illustrating the management of complex design challenges, including custom millwork, specialty finishes, and bespoke furniture, highlighting problem-solving approaches and execution strategies.

• Evidence of FF&E procurement, specification, budgeting, and installation coordination expertise, with clear examples of budget adherence and value engineering successes.

• Documentation of technical proficiency in construction documents, material specifications, and coordination with specialized trades, demonstrating an understanding of constructability and technical accuracy.

• Examples of effective collaboration with project management teams, brand representatives, architects, and vendors, showcasing strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of the candidate's process for developing and refining design concepts that align with brand standards and elevate guest experiences, including workflow examples.

• Documentation of the candidate's approach to reviewing and commenting on design documents at all stages, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project objectives.

• Examples of the candidate's system for monitoring and controlling design and FF&E budgets, including cost analysis, value engineering recommendations, and budget reconciliation methods.

• Evidence of a structured approach to preparing and presenting comprehensive project materials to executive leadership and ownership groups, detailing communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are designed to assess a candidate's ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects with a focus on operational efficiency and client satisfaction. For a Design Manager role, this translates to demonstrating a systematic approach to design execution, budget control, and stakeholder communication, mirroring the process-oriented nature of effective revenue operations. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies for each project presented.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions, supporting long-term financial planning for operations professionals.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Care, ensuring holistic well-being for employees and their families.

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary, promoting work-life balance and support for new parents.

• Generous Paid Time Off and Company Holidays, allowing for essential rest and rejuvenation.

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay, providing financial flexibility and immediate access to compensation.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $100,000 - $150,000 USD per year for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Chicago or Dallas aligns with industry benchmarks for senior roles in design and construction management. This range reflects the specialized expertise required, particularly in the luxury hospitality sector. The benefits package is competitive, offering a strong emphasis on employee well-being and financial security, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking roles with comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services & Investment Management. JLL operates globally, providing a wide spectrum of real estate services, with a significant focus on technology-driven solutions and client-centric approaches. The hospitality sector represents a key area of specialization, demanding high standards of service delivery and operational efficiency.

Company Size: JLL is a large, global organization with a significant employee base. This scale offers opportunities for diverse career paths, extensive resources, and exposure to a wide array of projects and markets. For operations roles, this means working within established frameworks and potentially contributing to large-scale process improvements.

Founded: JLL was founded in 1783, boasting a long history and deep expertise in the real estate industry. This longevity signifies stability, a proven track record, and a culture that values enduring relationships and continuous adaptation to market changes.

Team Structure:

• The Hospitality Design & Construction team is likely a specialized unit within JLL's broader project and development services. It probably comprises project managers, designers, construction specialists, and potentially procurement experts.

• Reporting lines would typically flow upwards to senior leadership within the hospitality division or project management office, emphasizing clear accountability and strategic alignment.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core component, with this Design Manager role necessitating close partnerships with JLL's project management teams, client relationship managers, and potentially leasing or investment teams to ensure design solutions meet overarching business objectives. Methodology:

• JLL emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics to inform design, construction, and operational strategies, ensuring projects are aligned with market trends and client performance goals.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly in managing complex projects like high-end hospitality developments, ensuring efficiency and adherence to strict timelines and budgets.

• Automation and efficiency practices are increasingly integrated, with JLL investing in technology to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve project outcomes, aligning with modern operations principles.

Company Website: https://www.jll.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's established presence and global reach provide a robust operational framework. The company's emphasis on technology and data-driven approaches suggests that operations roles within JLL are expected to be analytical and process-oriented, contributing to efficient project delivery and client value realization. The specific focus on hospitality design indicates a specialized operational environment requiring a deep understanding of client needs and industry best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the operations and project delivery function. It requires extensive specialized experience (10+ years) and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects independently, including significant budget oversight and strategic stakeholder communication. This level typically involves leadership responsibilities and a high degree of autonomy in decision-making related to design execution and operational feasibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President within JLL's Hospitality Design & Construction division. This reporting line provides strategic guidance and oversight, while the manager is expected to lead project-specific design efforts, collaborating closely with Project Managers who may have a different reporting line focused on overall project delivery.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful delivery of high-end hospitality projects, which are significant revenue drivers for JLL's clients. By ensuring design integrity, budget adherence, and exceptional guest experiences, this role contributes to client satisfaction, repeat business, and JLL's reputation for excellence in the luxury hospitality market. Effective operations management in this role directly influences project profitability and client ROI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential progression to Director or VP of Design & Construction within the Hospitality division, overseeing larger portfolios and leading teams of design managers and project managers.

• Strategic Development: Opportunities to contribute to the development of JLL's design strategies, standards, and best practices within the hospitality sector, influencing operational methodologies.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing deeper client relationships and potentially moving into roles with more direct client advisory and business development responsibilities.

• Skill Specialization: Further specialization in areas like sustainable design, adaptive reuse, or specific luxury brand integrations, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a large, established firm like JLL. The career path emphasizes a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic contribution to the business's operational success, particularly within the lucrative hospitality sector. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to deepen their expertise in operations management while shaping high-impact projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a primary presence within JLL's offices in Chicago or Dallas. The office environment is expected to be professional, modern, and equipped to support collaborative work, likely featuring dedicated spaces for design reviews, client meetings, and team discussions.

Office Location(s): The position is based in either Chicago, IL, or Dallas, TX. These are major metropolitan hubs offering excellent accessibility, vibrant business districts, and a strong talent pool within the commercial real estate and hospitality sectors. Employees will benefit from the amenities and professional networks associated with these prime locations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among design and project management teams, facilitating seamless communication and problem-solving essential for complex hospitality projects.

• Access to JLL's suite of operations tools, technology, and resources will be available, supporting efficient project management, design documentation, and communication.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, including project managers, senior leadership, and potentially clients, will be frequent, enabling knowledge sharing and building strong professional relationships.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role. While adherence to deadlines is paramount, JLL also emphasizes work-life balance through its benefits package, suggesting a professional environment that respects personal time while demanding commitment to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this Design Manager role underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, client interaction, and direct oversight of project details within JLL's operational framework. The professional office environment in major cities like Chicago and Dallas is conducive to high-level design work and strategic operations management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required qualifications, particularly experience in high-end hospitality design and project management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, technical skills, approach to design challenges, budget management, and leadership style. Be prepared to elaborate on specific projects from your portfolio.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues, including Project Managers and senior design/construction leaders. This stage assesses cultural fit, collaboration capabilities, and your understanding of JLL's operational processes.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges overcome, design solutions, budget management strategies, and the operational impact of your work.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and alignment with JLL's company values and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your experience in high-end hospitality design, specifically highlighting complexity, budget management, and successful outcomes.

• Showcase Operational Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the design challenges faced, the operational solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, guest satisfaction improvements).

• Detail Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design and project management process, from concept development and stakeholder engagement to documentation, procurement, and installation oversight.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data wherever possible to demonstrate the value you brought to each project, such as percentage of budget saved through value engineering or on-time delivery rates.

• Tailor to JLL: Understand JLL's approach to design and construction and be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with their operational methodologies and client-centric approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You may be presented with a hypothetical hospitality design challenge and asked to outline your approach to developing a design concept, managing the budget, and planning for execution.

• Budget Management Exercise: Be ready to discuss your strategies for managing FF&E and design budgets, including common pitfalls and how to mitigate them.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated complex design decisions and operational constraints to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of both design capabilities and operational management skills. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a tangible demonstration of a candidate's ability to execute complex projects within budgetary and timeline constraints, directly reflecting the demands of operations roles. Candidates should prepare to speak to their process and quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for producing and reviewing detailed construction documents. Proficiency is a requirement.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project): Critical for project management, budget tracking, scheduling, and presentation development. Strong Excel skills for financial analysis and Project for timeline management are particularly important.

• Revit, SketchUp, InDesign: Preferred tools for more advanced design visualization, modeling, and presentation creation. Familiarity with these can significantly enhance a candidate's profile.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific analytics tools aren't listed, expect to utilize JLL's internal reporting systems for budget tracking, project status updates, and performance analysis. Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and reporting is key. CRM & Automation:

• JLL likely uses internal CRM and project management software for client management and project lifecycle tracking. While specific tools aren't mentioned, an understanding of CRM principles and workflow automation is beneficial for operational efficiency.

• FF&E Procurement Systems: Experience with specialized software or platforms used for FF&E specification, procurement, and tracking will be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core design and project management software, with a strong reliance on Microsoft Office for operational tasks like budgeting and scheduling. Proficiency in AutoCAD is mandatory, while experience with BIM software like Revit is preferred, indicating JLL's adoption of modern design and construction technologies to streamline operations and enhance project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations in the luxury hospitality sector, ensuring that design and operational decisions directly contribute to client success and satisfaction.

• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding the highest standards in design execution, project management, and ethical conduct, ensuring all projects are delivered with precision and quality.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount for effective project delivery and problem-solving.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new design trends, technologies, and operational methodologies to continuously improve project outcomes and stay ahead of industry advancements.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform design choices, budget allocations, and project strategies, ensuring operational efficiency and measurable results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with project managers, architects, brand representatives, and vendors to ensure all project aspects are aligned and executed efficiently.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and continuous improvement of design and construction processes to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in knowledge sharing sessions and leveraging JLL's internal platforms to disseminate best practices and insights related to hospitality design and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: JLL's culture appears to value a blend of client-centricity, operational rigor, and collaborative innovation. For a Design Manager, this translates to a role where technical expertise is combined with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to process excellence, aligning well with the collaborative and results-oriented nature of effective GTM and revenue operations teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Budgetary Constraints: Effectively translating high-end design aspirations into tangible projects that meet strict financial targets, requiring strong value engineering and negotiation skills.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the diverse needs and priorities of clients, brand representatives, project teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure project alignment and satisfaction.

• Maintaining Design Integrity Across Multiple Projects: Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to brand standards while managing several sophisticated hospitality projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements.

• Adapting to Evolving Hospitality Trends: Staying abreast of rapidly changing guest expectations, wellness integration, and sustainable design practices to deliver contemporary and forward-thinking environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Operations Training: Access to JLL's professional development programs focusing on cutting-edge design techniques, project management methodologies, and operational efficiency tools specific to the real estate and hospitality sectors.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading hospitality and design industry events and pursue relevant certifications (e.g., NCIDQ, LEED) to enhance expertise and professional standing.

• Mentorship & Leadership Programs: Participation in JLL's mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives, fostering career growth towards senior management and strategic roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in design and construction management, particularly within the demanding hospitality sector. JLL's commitment to learning and development offers a clear path for candidates to grow their expertise in both design and operations, enhancing their value and career progression within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your process for developing a high-end hospitality design concept from initial client brief to final design documentation. How do you ensure brand alignment and operational feasibility throughout this process?" (Focus on structured approach, stakeholder engagement, and integration of operational needs).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or feedback from multiple stakeholders (e.g., client, brand, project manager) on a complex hospitality project. How did you navigate this to achieve a successful outcome?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Describe a significant design or construction challenge you encountered on a hospitality project, such as a complex millwork detail or a budget overrun. What steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the impact on the project's efficiency and outcome?" (Emphasize analytical skills, practical solutions, and impact on project metrics).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about JLL's approach to hospitality design and construction, and how do you see your skills contributing to our 'brighter way' philosophy?" (Research JLL's values, recent projects, and tailor your response to demonstrate cultural fit).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a project team, particularly with Project Managers and other functional specialists? Describe your ideal team dynamic." (Focus on teamwork, communication, and shared goals).

• "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond aesthetics? What operational metrics do you consider crucial for evaluating a hospitality project's performance?" (Demonstrate understanding of ROI, guest experience metrics, and operational efficiency). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives, highlighting the problem, your solution, and the positive impact.

• Quantify Results: For each project, clearly state the budget managed, any cost savings achieved through value engineering, and adherence to timelines. Quantify guest experience improvements if possible.

• Process Visualization: Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate your design and project management processes, demonstrating a systematic and organized approach.

• Client-Centricity: Frame your contributions in terms of how they benefited the client, enhanced the guest experience, and supported the property's operational and financial goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both design principles and operational execution. Candidates must be ready to articulate their methodologies, quantify their achievements, and show how their skills directly contribute to JLL's client-focused, results-driven approach within the hospitality sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position at JLL:

• Submit your application through the JLL careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your specific experience in high-end hospitality design, emphasizing project management, budget control, FF&E procurement, and construction documentation. Prepare detailed case studies for your most relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 10+ years of experience, listing key responsibilities and achievements using operations-centric language (e.g., "managed project budgets up to X," "implemented value engineering resulting in Y savings," "ensured on-time delivery of Z projects").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and operational impact using the STAR method. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on quantifiable results and strategic decision-making.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research JLL, its Hospitality division, and recent projects. Understand their company values and operational philosophy to articulate how you align with their culture and contribute to their mission of "shaping a brighter way."

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.